Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)

The Sampaziotis lab is based at the Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute which is a world-leading centre for regenerative therapies and stem cell research that hosts more than 28 research groups and cutting-edge facilities.

The Sampaziotis lab focuses on bile duct diseases (cholangiopathies) which are a leading cause for liver transplantation in children and adults. We use bile duct epithelial cell (cholangiocyte) organoids, single cell transcriptomics, animal and ex-vivo human organ models to understand how the biliary epithelium regenerates. We apply this knowledge to gain insights into the pathogenesis of biliary diseases and develop disruptive bioengineering and regenerative medicine therapies to treat these disorders. Importantly we use biliary diseases and cholangiocyte organoids as a proof-of-principle system to unveil universal mechanisms governing epithelial regeneration and pioneer novel regenerative medicine approaches that can be subsequently translated to multiple other systems beyond the biliary tree.

Our research shows that the biliary epithelium comprises of different cell populations, which are characterized by plasticity. Therefore, following biliary injury, any spared/surviving population could change their identity to replace destroyed populations and regenerate the bile ducts. This process is controlled predominantly by environmental stimuli, such as the composition of bile, through the bile acid receptor pathway FXR. However, this mechanism fails in disease.

We aim to further characterize the mechanisms controlling the cells' plasticity and explore why these processes fails in disease, using single cell transcriptomics. We will then target these pathways to restore endogenous biliary regeneration or generate disease-resistant cells for bioengineering and regenerative medicine.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Research Assistant/Associate to contribute to one of these projects. However, creativity and personal initiative is highly encouraged. Candidates building on existing data to develop additional/new projects will be strongly supported.

Successful applicants should have a PhD* (postgraduate/MSc degree for the research assistant role) in the field of regenerative biology, genomics, bioengineering or cell/developmental biology, or be within 6 months or receiving this. Expertise in general areas of cell biology including image analysis, molecular biology, basic genome editing skills, in vivo mouse models and histology would be suitable for this position. Experience in tissue culture (ideally organoid culture) is essential. A strong background in epigenetics, single cell transcriptomics and computational biology would be an advantage. It is essential that the post-holder is organized, able to work collaboratively as a member of a team and can communicate effectively and clearly.

*Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD, an equivalent research doctorate. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once PhD has been awarded.

Start date is flexible but can be as early as October 2021.

The work will be funded by a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Future Leaders grant.

For inquiries, please contact Dr Fotios Sampaziotis at [email protected] .

Relevant publications

Sampaziotis et al., Science, 2021; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7610478/

Sampaziotis et al., Nature Medicine, 2017; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28671689/

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 September 2025.

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